America’s 250th Anniversary: Celebrating Art and Sound

Recognizing the significant role of art, culture, and storytelling is essential when celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. As part of a special feature, we reached out to Nashville’s talented songwriters and artists to craft original songs reflecting their views on America. The acoustic performances presented here are the first instances of these songs being performed by their creators. We’re excited to introduce what we call the “American Soundtrack.”

When discussing emerging songwriters in Nashville, one name consistently surfaces: Nate Kenyon. Interestingly, he didn’t grow up with country music. Instead, his early influences were artists like Eminem and Aerosmith, which shapes his distinct style even today. Although he embraced country more recently, you can still hear those rock and rap elements in his vocals and songwriting. He’s known for blending genres and crafting some really cool sounds.

Kenyon boasts a number of achievements, such as co-writing with Laney Wilson and appearing on albums by Lee Brice and LOCASH. He’s also contributed songs to Luke Bryan’s latest album alongside numerous prominent Nashville artists.

In February, we rode along with Lee Brice on a bus to the Turning Point USA’s Super Bowl Alternative Halftime Show, where Brice debuted a new track from his upcoming album Sunriser. This song, steeped in emotional depth, explores the longing of a man simply wanting to live his life amidst pressures to conform.

Three talented writers collaborated on this piece: Lee Brice himself, Matt Alderman, and, of course, Nate Kenyon. After listening to Kenyon’s original song “US” as part of the American Soundtrack project, it’s not surprising to see him among that group.

Kenyon’s “US” evokes a passionate call to remember the everyday people making a difference. There’s a raw, almost justified frustration in his lyrics that speaks to the common individual, a sort of defiance aimed at those in power. As he pondered the themes for his contributions, Kenyon reflected on his mother who works tirelessly at a post office in Baxley, Georgia, emphasizing the importance of hardworking individuals in keeping the country afloat.

His lyrics encompass a variety of characters—from bus drivers to gas station employees—highlighting the invaluable work ethic of those who sustain daily life in America.

before the rooster crows
work to the bone
just like our fathers did
And our fathers' fathers did
And so did our father's father's father.

There’s an authenticity in Kenyon’s song; he relates personally to the experiences he portrays, adding a layer of sincerity that feels like an ode to the spirit of the populace. By using a collective voice, he merges his identity with that of his subjects, fostering a deeply personal connection.

“You can’t spell USA without ‘US'”

US

Author: Nate Kenyon
Performers: Nate Kenyon

Ride around the children on a yellow bus
Turn on the pump at the BP station
Fill your coffee cup at Waffle House
us
Ensure hair and grass are cut
Fix all potholes and ruts
All the bad guys in cuffs

I can't spell it, America.
without us
I can't spell it, America.
without us
America without me
and I guarantee
The land of freedom is collapsing
Because I can't spell USA.
without us

us
Load cargo into these tractor trailer trucks
Grow corn, peas, and other peeled foods
Tending bar, coaching ball
painting walls, laying bricks
Who do you think runs the office?
It's a big wig sting for them.

I can't spell it, America.
without us
I can't spell it, America.
without us
America without me
and I guarantee
The land of freedom is collapsing
Because I can't spell USA.
without us

before the rooster crows
work to the bone
just like our fathers did
And our fathers' fathers did
And so did our father's father's father.
Ah, I understand

I can't spell it, America.
without us
I can't spell it, America.
without us
America without me
and I guarantee
The land of freedom is collapsing
they know good things
this whole place is going to be hell
'Cause you can't spell
united states of America
without us